James Tarkowski believes Aleksandar Mitrovic could have easily been sent off for his 'mistimed' challenge on Idrissa Gueye.
The big talking point from Everton’s 0-0 draw with Fulham arrived in the first half when Mitrovic was only booked by referee John Brooks for a stamp on Gueye’s ankle that could have easily caused serious injury. The ECHO understands that the tackle was checked by VAR at Stockley Park, but it was decided that the challenge was low and came from a short distance so lacked intensity and impact.
Speaking after the game, Blues boss Frank Lampard claimed that the Fulham forward should have been given his marching orders for the challenge. And following on from his manager, Tarkowski claimed the decision would not have been overturned had a red card been awarded instead of a yellow.
READ MORE: Frank Lampard names figure key to Jordan Pickford's growing influence at Everton
READ MORE: Frank Lampard facing Everton midfield conundrum as Nathan Patterson question emerges
He said: “I didn’t see it too much, but I have just saw a replay back. You have seen reds for them and I think it is one of them, touch and go, Gana has stretched out and it is mistimed.
“You have seen red cards for tackles like that. I think it is one of them, if the ref gives a red it won’t get changed.”
Marco Silva's side had 23 shots on goal, but failed to beat Jordan Pickford, who produced a man-of-the-match display at Craven Cottage. The Everton goalkeeper pulled off a string of fine saves to earn his side a fourth clean sheet of the season.
Although busy throughout the whole 90 minutes, it was saves from Mitrovic and Willian during the first half that really caught the eye. And Tarkowski believes his team-mate showed why he is the best in the country.
“He’s the best. He’s the best in the country," he said. "That is why he is England’s No.1. It is nice to know we have got someone like him behind us ready to go. He has been top drawer all season, to be fair to him. He was bang at it today.”
When asked about whether Pickford’s display further cemented the goalkeeper’s position as England’s No.1, Tarkowski replied: “I think everyone knows that, to be honest.
“I think Gareth has made that pretty clear. Jordan is No.1 when he is fit and playing the way he is.”
As well as the hosts having chances, Everton also had openings of their own with Tarkowski, Demari Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin going close in the opening 45 minutes. And the Everton defender has called on his side to improve in the final third.
He said: “We stuck at it and defended well. We need to improve going the other way, but we will take a point on the road.
“I thought both teams looked quite threatening. We had some chances and they had a couple. Second half they managed to get their game plan to a tee a bit more than we did.
“They got in and around our goal and obviously Mitrovic is in form and playing well. But we stopped something going in our goal, so we can be pleased with the point. Performance needs to be looked at.
“I think the team spirit in the group, and not just the lads at the back, the lads in front of us are working hard. Even Jimmy Garner came on late and got a great touch on a cross that looked like someone was going to finish it.
“The group gets us through the game on days like that when you are not performing at your best. We move on to next week.”
READ NEXT
What Fulham fan shouted at Jordan Pickford as Everton goalkeeper proved critics wrong again
Everton have new reason for VAR anger after latest puzzling decision at Fulham
'He knew' - Frank Lampard sends blunt VAR message and gives honest verdict on Everton performance
What Jordan Pickford told the referee to try and get Aleksandar Mitrovic sent off against Everton
Why Aleksandar Mitrovic did not get red card for tackle on Idrissa Gueye as Everton fume
